Cannons, MLL won’t open season on May 30

The Boston Cannons won't be opening their new season on May 30, the MLL announced Friday (James Cirrone/MLL)

Major League Lacrosse is the latest professional league to see its season get delayed over COVID-19 concerns.

The MLL announced Friday that it was suspending the start to its season, which it had hoped to be on May 30. No new start date has yet been determined.

“Today, Major League Lacrosse elected to suspend the start of the 2020 season, originally scheduled for May 30,” MLL commissioner Alexander “Sandy” Brown said in a statement. “This decision was made to safeguard the health of our players, fans and staff, as well as those within our MLL communities as a result of the global pandemic.

“We have been vigilant in coordinating with the Center for Disease Control, as well as federal, state and local officials to determine the protocols that will allow us to begin our season in the safest manner possible. So as to ensure the well-being of all MLL communities, we will be guided by their recommendations.”

Boston Cannons president Ian Frenette weighed in on the decision, and added that the team looks forward to opening its 20th season at some point, with home games at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy, Mass.

“Right now, our world is experiencing an unprecedented situation as we face a global pandemic,” said Frenette. “Major League Lacrosse team presidents and league executives have been closely monitoring the development of COVID-19 and its impact on our world.

“We are grateful to all our fans for their support, and we extend our thoughts to those who have been impacted by the COVID-19 virus.”

The MLL season was set to open on May 30 with six active teams — the Cannons, Connecticut Hammerheads, defending champion Chesapeake Bayhawks, New York Lizards, Philadelphia Barrage and Denver Outlaws.